I've been going to the Dutch Wooden Shoe Cafe ever since I can remember, and I can still rely on them to serve up some amazing breakfasts. This is without a doubt one of my favourite restaurants in Vancouver.
(Note: Although opened by the same proprietor, the Dutch Wooden Shoe is not the same as the De Dutch chain. It has a unique menu and frankly, the food is just much better.)
The restaurant atmosphere is very cozy and kitschy. The walls are lined with Dutch posters and prints, photos of hundreds of happy customers, and cabinets boasting an impressive collection of beer glasses from around the world. The tables are pretty small and close together, and the restaurant is always packed on weekend mornings, although that isn't a bad thing. The staff is attentive and friendly. The most important aspect though, is the food. Ahh, the food...
I usually start with their "Giant Mocha," which is, as the name suggests, a fat mug of piping hot coffee with chocolate syrup, topped with a swirl of whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles. This is to be sipped slowly as one peruses the extensive menu. Offerings include waffles, breakfast platters, eggs bene"dutches," but the one item I keep coming back to is their pannekoek.
Pannekoeken are large plate-sized pancakes. They are thicker than a crepe, but thinner than a buttermilk pancake, and are very well browned on both sides. They aren't fluffy, but very tender and so delicious. For 8 to 13 dollars, you can get a pannekoek with your choice from a variety of toppings, from savoury ham and eggs, to sweet grilled cinnamon bananas (one of my "usuals" as a child, and still one of my favourites). An odd but delicious combination is the pannekoek with bahmi goreng. The pancake is filled with a curry scented, stir fried egg noodle with ham and onion. The noodles are served with peanut sauce on top. Try it and you won't be disappointed.
Four Fruit Pannekoek
The Dutch Wooden Shoe is a great restaurant where you are bound to walk away satisfied. I know I will be a regular customer for many years to come (especially since I have yet to find a pannekoek recipe that even comes close to theirs).
Eat Here:
Dutch Wooden Shoe Cafe
3292 Cambie Street
Vancouver, BC
V5Z 2W4
604-874-0922
Images property of tibbidyfibbity.com, Vancouverslop.com, horcubee on flickr.com
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